Moroccans call for maximum penalty for perpetrators of gang rape at festival

A horrific incident involving the gang-rape of a 13-year-old boy in Morocco has triggered a firestorm on social media, local news outlets report.

The child, who is reportedly orphaned and has a mother with severe mental illness, was allegedly gang-raped by 14 men over a period of a few days after being drugged at the Moulay Abdellah Amghar festival, an annual religious and cultural event, in El Jadid.

When he returned to his home in Youssoufia, the victim reportedly told neighbors what had happened. They responded by immediately calling the police. The victim was then transferred to a hospital in Marrakesh for care. He reportedly sustained severe injuries and psychological damage.

Moroccans have been sending message of support for the victim under the hashtag “All for Bashir” and many have been calling for the maximum penalties for the perpetrators including the death penalty and chemical castration.

There have also been calls for a wider discussion on the topic of sexual assault and for the implementation of stronger mechanisms to protect children from harm.